Systems and methods for treating aneurysms

Abstract

An apparatus for treating an aneurysm includes an occlusion element configured to be releasably coupled to an elongate delivery shaft and having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the occlusion element configured to be delivered in a collapsed configuration and further configured to expand to an expanded configuration, the occlusion element comprising an inverted mesh tube having an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer transitioning to the inner layer at an inversion fold located at or adjacent the distal end of the occlusion element, the inversion fold defining an inner diameter, the occlusion element further comprising a maximum outer diameter, wherein the inner diameter is between about 35% to about 85% of the maximum outer diameter, and wherein an outer diameter of the occlusion element increases along the longitudinal axis to the maximum outer diameter.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel, comprising:
 an occlusion element configured to be releasably coupled to an elongate delivery shaft and having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the occlusion element heat set into an expanded configuration and configured to be delivered in a collapsed configuration through an inner lumen of a delivery catheter, the inner lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the occlusion element comprising an inverted mesh tube having an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer transitioning to the inner layer at an inversion fold located at or adjacent the distal end of the occlusion element, wherein, when the occlusion element is in its expanded configuration the inversion fold defines an inner diameter and the occlusion element comprises a maximum outer diameter, wherein the inner diameter is between about 35% to about 85% of the maximum outer diameter, and wherein an outer diameter of the occlusion element increases along the longitudinal axis to the maximum outer diameter, wherein the maximum outer diameter is located at the distal end of the occlusion element. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inverted mesh tube comprises a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end coupled together at the proximal end of the occlusion element. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion element in its expanded configuration has a general cross-sectional D-shape in a plane containing the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion element in its expanded configuration has a general cross-sectional triangular shape in a plane containing the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion element in its expanded configuration has a general cross-sectional isosceles trapezoidal shape in a plane containing the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a convex face extending between the maximum outer diameter of the occlusion element and the proximal end of the occlusion element. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises a substantially planar face. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inverted mesh tube comprises a set of filaments comprising a nickel-titanium alloy. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein at least some of the filaments further comprise a radiopaque material. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer of the inverted mesh tube substantially follows a contour of the outer layer of the inverted mesh tube when the occlusion element is in its expanded configuration. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pusher having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the occlusion element is configured to be releasably coupled to the distal end of the pusher at a releasable joint. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion element, at the maximum outer diameter, is configured to engage a wall of the aneurysm. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inner diameter is between about 45% to about 75% of the maximum outer diameter.